WARSAW PHILHARMONIC

Warsaw Philharmonic’s last appearance at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall was back in the 20th century, so their return this month is indeed a welcome one. 

The 125-year-old orchestra have earned a much-deserved reputation for championing the output of Polish composers - something which they’re certainly doing in this mid-afternoon concert. Alongside Beethoven’s energetic Seventh Symphony, the Philharmonic will be turning their attention to Chopin’s best-known Piano Concerto (No2) - performed by trailblazing pianist Alexandra Dariescu - Witold Lutosławski’s Little Suite - a musical snapshot of Polish folk culture - and Grażyna Bacewicz’s dancing scherzo for piano. 

Krzysztof Urbański (pictured), the orchestra’s music & artistic director since 2024, is the concert’s conductor.  

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sunday 17 May

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ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: RED SKY AT SUNRISE

Inspiration for this patchwork of words & music is provided by author Laurie Lee’s much-loved trilogy of novels: Cider With Rosie, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning and A Moment Of War.

Featuring the music of Vaughan Williams, Walton, Holst, Elgar, Britten, Grainger, Albeniz, Turina and Falla, the programme transports the audience from the lush Gloucestershire countryside of Lee’s childhood to the ‘dry landscapes of Spain’, where he fought against Franco’s forces in the Spanish Civil War.

 
Alongside music by the Orchestra Of The Swan, the production sees actors Anton Lesser and Charlie Hamblett (both pictured above) taking on the role of Lee. 

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tuesday 19 May

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CBSO: ATLANTIC CONNECTIONS

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s ever-popular Centre Stage season continues this month, giving audiences the chance to experience the artistry of the musicians in an intimate setting. 

Curated by CBSO Principal Second Clarinet Jo Patton, this latest concert has a 2pm start time, lasts for an hour, and features Muczynski’s Fantasy Trio, Boulanger’s Trois Pieces (arr. Needleman), and Gwyneth Van Anden Walker’s Craftsbury Trio. 

CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Friday 22 May

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PETER DONOHOE

A much-admired figure on the Midlands music scene, Peter Donohoe is widely considered to be one of the foremost pianists of modern times, building up a significant repertoire during the course of a glittering 50-year career.

Peter’s magnificent musicianship, stylistic versatility and commanding technique will be much in evidence during this Ludlow Piano Festival concert, which sees him performing works by Mozart, Brahms, 
Chopin and Schubert.   

St Laurence Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Saturday 23 May   

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ELGAR FESTIVAL

“Every year, on the weekend closest to the date of his birth, we celebrate the life and music of Sir Edward Elgar with an immersive, accessible and engaging week of concerts, exhibits, talks, films and more.” So says Kenneth Woods in talking about the Elgar Festival, of which he’s the artistic director. “Our motto is ‘Elgar for everyone’; from relaxed concerts to family events, free performances in iconic buildings and walks on the Malverns, to world-class performances by our resident orchestra - the English Symphony Orchestra - in Worcester Cathedral.

“There’s also plenty of opportunity to take part. Come and play Elgar, join the Elgar Festival Chorus, be coached in our Young Strings Masterclass, or enter our renowned Young Composer competition... 
“The Elgar Festival has something for everybody in our community.”

various locations Worcestershire, Saturday 23 - Sunday 31 May

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SOLOMON'S KNOT

An international, flexible and award-winning baroque collective of hugely talented instrumentalists and singers, Solomon’s Knot perform as a chamber ensemble without conductor. “We rely on the collective intelligence and 360º musicianship of our performers to create a unique collaborative bond on stage,” explain the collective. “Building on this, our singers perform everything from memory - fostering an intense, heightened communication and creating a more theatrical and immersive experience.” 
Best known for having memorised all of  JS Bach’s major vocal compositions, the ensemble here perform a selection of his work, ably assisted in the endeavour by a 17-piece period-instrument orchestra.

Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall, University of Birmingham, Wednesday 27 May    

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PHILIP GLASS' DOUBLE TIMPANI CONCERTO

Presenting the audience with a rare chance to see the timpani up front and central, Philip Glass’ Concerto is arguably the stand-out offering in this two-hour celebration of dance, performed under the baton of Birmingham Opera Company’s music director, Alpesh Chauhan (pictured). 

Glass’ composition shares the programme with two other exceptional works: Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances - featuring depictions of rituals and traditions from Black communities - and Rachmaninoff’s Dances - the composer’s final composition... The concert is preceded by an in-conversation event with conductor Chauhan and timpani players Matthew Hardy and Toby Kearney.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thursday 28 May

WORCESTERSHIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra get to grips with the challenge of Beethoven’s Ninth in their first of two concerts this month. Conducted by Keith Slade, the orchestra will be joined by four soloists and a 100-strong chorus of local singers. 

The programme also features Brahms’ Violin Concerto and Parry’s I Was Glad...

The orchestra then make a late-month contribution to the Elgar Festival, presenting a free-to-enjoy programme of music featuring works by Bach (Brandenburg Concerto No3), Doreen Carwithen (Lento for Strings), Mozart (Symphony No25) and - as one might expect - Elgar (Salut d’Amour).   

Worcester Guildhall, Saturday 30 May

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